Strong service delivery and financial performance continue at West Oxfordshire District Council
West Oxfordshire District Council continues to deliver strong results for residents, with this quarter’s performance report showing services are performing above target.
The strong service performance has been matched by strong financial management, with the end of year report for the 2025/26 financial year showing the Council delivered services under budget thanks to strong investment performance, income from services and contract refunds. As a result, the Council has been able re-invest into local priorities, delivering services and preparing for upcoming changes to local government. This includes £342,000 invested into the West Oxfordshire Environmental Services Partnership (WESP) which will deliver significant savings and service improvements for residents, an additional £200,000 to support the provision of social housing, as well as £440,000 allocated to a Hardship Fund to support residents receiving Housing Benefit or Council Tax Support.
Councillor Andy Graham, Leader of West Oxfordshire District Council, said: "We are continuing to deliver the services that matter most to residents while investing in the future of West Oxfordshire. Through careful financial management and efficiencies, we are able to deliver against local priorities and make meaningful improvements to our district while maintaining high-quality services for our communities."
The Council exceeded its affordable housing target, delivering 352 affordable homes during the year compared with a target of 274. Reliable waste and recycling services also continued, with more than 99.9% of scheduled bin collections completed successfully.
Customer satisfaction remained high, with almost 98% of residents satisfied with telephone services, while planning services continued to support residents, businesses and sustainable growth across the district.
The Council also continued to deliver against its priorities through its crowdfunding platform, Westhive. Fourteen more community projects secured funding, supporting wellbeing, community facilities, environmental improvements and local support services. A new and improved platform is due later this year.
Work to improve local leisure facilities also progressed, including a major milestone at Windrush Leisure Centre with the installation of a new low-carbon heating system. The Council strengthened its climate action work through the purchase of new electric waste collection vehicles and continued efforts to reduce emissions from council services.
Residents facing financial hardship were supported through £60,000 of Household Support Fund payments, while major projects continued to move forward, including the adoption of the Salt Cross Area Action Plan and the creation of a new West Oxfordshire Youth Partnership.
The performance report reflects the Council's priorities of improving quality of life, supporting thriving communities, responding to the climate emergency and delivering high-quality services for residents across West Oxfordshire.